June 21st marked this year’s summer solstice, so it was a fitting day for Jane Iredale to host an intimate lunch, along with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Bruce Katz, to introduce her new sun-care line.

I was fortune enough to be seated next to Iredale herself, and once I got past her gorgeous blue eyes, I zoned in on her wrinkle-free, completely smooth skin. Clearly, the former casting director practices what she preaches.

Iredale was the first to develop a full line of make-up based on minerals when she launched her collection in 1994, and has since continued to work with countless world-renowned plastic surgeons and dermatologists in the development of her products.

It was interesting to learn about Iredale’s background – her position as a prominent casting director had her working with a slew of models and actresses, including Lauren Hutton, Jaclyn Smith, Cybill Shepherd, Susan Sarandon, and Glenn Close. The industry and the bold names she worked with on a daily basis allowed her to see firsthand some of the world’s best make-up artists at work.

Iredale says that it was working with women "whose careers depended on a clear complexion," that let her to "see how skin disorders and sensitivities not only threaten careers, but can also destroy self-confidence," leading her to create her own line.

Jane Iredale’s brand has grown exponentially in the 15-plus years since it was first launched, and it’s exciting – especially for someone with pale, sensitive skin like myself – to see her branch out into sun-care.

At the event, I learned that sun damage is responsible for 80% of the signs of aging, and that clouds only protect 20% of the sun’s rays (which underscores the importance of lathering-up even when the sun isn’t shining).

The five products in the line were just awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Approval – an accolade that is not handed out lightly. I was happy to see that every product in the range has at least SPF 15, because really, what’s the point of wearing protective cosmetics when all they’ve got is the seemingly standard SPF 6?The Jane Iredale sun-care line is comprised of five products:

Amazing Base is a loose mineral foundation that’s water-resistant, and has an SPF of 20.

The PurePressed Base is a pressed mineral foundation that’s also water-resistant, with an SPF of 20.

DreamTint is an oil-free, tinted moisturizer with SPF 15.

LipDrink is the colorless, moisturizing protective lip balm with an SPF of 15.

Powder-Me SPF is a dry sunscreen that comes in "tanned" and "translucent" shades, containing an SPF of 30.

I was able to check out the line at the event, and loved the Powder-Me-SPF. Having never used a dry sunscreen before, I’m in total awe of its practicality and problem solving ability.

You don’t have to worry about spillage, it’s great for travel, and you don’t have to deal with greasy skin as the summer temperatures rise to brutal levels. The powder imparts greaseless moisture, it’s sweat resistant, and it’s got the easiest application method – just dab it against the skin. For those looking for some color, the tanned version imparts a touch of that as well.

With the warm weather really kicking in, it’s so important to lather on sun protection.

This line stands out because it allows you to combine your traditional creams with protective, but effective make-up without having to worry about sweating, irritation, and other common skin concerns that many of us have.